Last offseason, Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio cited Jeremiah Ratliff as the one defensive lineman at the requisite performance level needed in the developing defensive scheme. On Thursday that relationship crashed to a conclusion as the Bears terminated the contract of the four-time Pro Bowl lineman.
In his place the Bears signed Ziggy Hood, a veteran of six combined seasons with Pittsburgh (2009-2013) and Jacksonville (2014). Hood was the Steelers’ first-round pick (32nd overall) in the 2009 draft. Prior to the 2014 season, Hood signed a four-year contract with Jacksonville worth $16 million and with $5.5 million guaranteed.